Manchester United defender Leny Yoro has emerged as a reported target for AC Milan, with the January transfer window approaching and Ruben Amorim said to be keen on bringing him into his plans.
Amorim, the former Manchester United manager, has reportedly identified the 20-year-old Frenchman as part of his effort to build an AC Milan side capable of challenging for the Serie A title again.
Manchester United could consider allowing Yoro to leave temporarily in order to gain more regular first-team football. Calcio Mercato reports that Milan’s recruitment officials are preparing a defensive rebuild in the January transfer window, with Yoro among the players being considered.
The report also suggests that AC Milan could pursue a permanent deal next summer.
“ A player AC Milan are particularly interested in for next season is the talented 2005-born French defender Yoro from Manchester United,” Calcio Mercato reported.
“The Rossoneri are hoping for the work of his agent, (Jorge) Mendes, to help them finalise a deal this summer. The deal is expected to cost between €40 and €50 million.”
Yoro joined Manchester United from Lille in July 2024 for an initial fee of around £52M. The club viewed the transfer as a long-term investment, but he has yet to establish himself as a regular starter.
He has made 8 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions this season, playing 515 minutes under manager Michael Carrick. Carrick has placed greater faith in Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez in defence.
The competition for regular football is also being viewed in the context of Yoro’s fellow young players. The report says he has seen international team-mates Bradley Barcola and Jeremy Jacquet thriving in the first team at Liverpool, which could increase his desire to find more consistent opportunities elsewhere.
Although Yoro remains only 20, a move to AC Milan could offer him a route to more regular football and a fresh opportunity to develop. Milan are understood to be planning changes to their defence, while Amorim is reportedly interested in bringing the defender into his project.
The potential transfer is expected to depend heavily on the role of Yoro’s agent, Jorge Mendes. Calcio Mercato says Milan are hoping Mendes can help complete a deal, with the proposed fee placed between €40 million and €50 million.
For now, Yoro’s immediate position remains linked to Manchester United, where his playing time has been limited despite the club’s original intention to develop him as a long-term defensive option. The possibility of a temporary departure in January could provide an earlier opportunity for regular first-team football, while a permanent move could be considered in the summer.
